It’s February and in keeping with this month’s themes of love and chocolate, it seems the mountain finally wanted to come clean about some long held feelings it has for Sandpoint…

Dear Sandpoint,

It’s been a while since I’ve let you know just how I feel about you but the words get lost sometimes as they travel the 12 miles that separates you, my dearest love, from me. Yes, it’s not the snow or the vertical, it’s you I adore even more than the sensation of a full grooming crew hard at work.

Sandpoint, you complete me.

When the people come to play, you give them arts and culture, music, theatre, amazing food and places to rest. You house all those who love me (and those who haven’t yet met me) whilst giving them places to quash their mighty thirst at any hour of the day – be it with coffee or stronger spirits. When you tell your friends about me, I can’t help but feel beyond lucky to be loved by such a community as you.

And I have to admit that when your lake shimmers in the summer sun, I get just a little excited about what one can find along that shoreline. If only I could know what you know of snow in its natural state…

From the sounds of happy swimmers at City Beach to energetic city dwellers singing at the Festival, your voice fills my mystic mountain soul. How lonely would I be if you weren’t there to share all this natural beauty with me?!?

Honestly, there are not enough snowflakes falling in front of the Sky House in February to count the ways I love you. Even when my vision of you may be blurred by clouds in the valley, I know you are there, the most beautiful small town in America.

You have no reason to ever doubt my affections, but if you need to be reassured, just look to the North and see that I am always there for you, in every season, in every weather.

Truth be told, you had me at the Long Bridge.

Oh my dearest, Sandpoint - all my trails, summer and winter, lead to you.

With the deepest sentiments & admiration,

Your Schweitzer

*This letter first appeared in the 2107 February issue of "Neighbors."